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tobyyy's review
3.0
Although this is the 16th installment in the Inspector Montalbano series, this is the first installment that I’ve read. It wasn’t bad; it reminded me of a mix between Alexander McCall Smith (but Sicilian instead of Scottish) and M.C. Beaton, with some more gruesome elements thrown in (a touch of James Patterson to taste, I suppose you could say).
I will most likely read other books in this series. Recommended for those who enjoy the aforementioned authors as well as mysteries that aren’t cozy but also aren’t thrillers, but instead somewhere in between.
I will most likely read other books in this series. Recommended for those who enjoy the aforementioned authors as well as mysteries that aren’t cozy but also aren’t thrillers, but instead somewhere in between.
elizafiedler's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bookwrm526's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
read_by_agni's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jannie_mtl's review
4.0
This was the first book I've read in the Inspector Montalbano series, mainly because it was available as an audiobook as I was looking for my next read. A quick read ("listen", really) and a good mystery with disparate parts that come together in a satisfying conclusion. Lots of good food references and a likeable protagonist. I was humoured by the assistant to Montalbano who was voiced with something of a New Jersey accent. This is a translation from Italian so I suspect there is significance in this, and I'd like to know what it is!
I'll definitely be reading more in this series.
I'll definitely be reading more in this series.
jeremyhornik's review
3.0
The plot is derivative and mechanical, and you can see what’s going to happen and who the bad guy is all the way from Venice. But the pleasure of the novel is in the character study of Montalbano, and the people around him. And that part is delightful.
lawyergobblesbooks's review
3.0
I would never give such a beautiful writer anything less than three stars.
This book is predictable. I will read every Montalbano mystery translated into a language I understand, but I'm disappointed at having figured things out too early. I am looking forward to the next two that are translated so far and hoping for more surprises.
This book is predictable. I will read every Montalbano mystery translated into a language I understand, but I'm disappointed at having figured things out too early. I am looking forward to the next two that are translated so far and hoping for more surprises.